Coming from Victor, I would have said it's a worrying sign of old age, or amnesia. Thankfully, Victor has nothing whatsoever to do with it.
It was reported in yesterday's ST that the Malaysian government has plans to embark on massive projects in Johor, including building a high-speed train line between KL and Singapore to the tune of RM5 billion. I'm quite sure the decision to do so has a lot to do with Singapore's decision to build two IRs in the republic. If Singapore can do it, surely, MALAYSIA BOLEH, never mind that Malaysia already has a casino in Genting that's rolling in lots of money for the government. It seems the "kiasu" syndrome is just as palpable in Malaysia as it does in Singapore. The paper went on to add that "... the two projects .. highlight the warming of bilateral ties since Badawi assumed the premiership in 2003." How odd. "Competition" and "warming of bilateral ties" don't exactly go hand in hand, do they?
If that is odd, then what I read in today's paper is weird. Apparently, Malaysia has decided that it would go ahead with plans to build its half of the crooked bridge, renamed the "scenic bridge" to replace the causeway unilaterally. The decision so delighted Vintage Mahathir that he was reported to have quipped "CYNIC bridge? Is that how you spell it?", a "cynical" remark aimed obviously at Singapore. Don't you just love Dr M? His wry sense of humour is second to none. But one wonders why an ex-stateman is given a platform, time and again, by the media to air his view? Certainly, he's not helping in improving bilateral ties.
The announcement has caught the Singapore government by surprise, more so because discussions about the bridge and other bilateral issues are said to be on the cards. What "warming of bilateral ties" are our neighbours exactly talking about? Why the cold and hot treatment? A case of amnesia, perhaps? Or schizophrenic?
It's been often said that our relationship with Malaysia is like that of a husband and wife. We bicker and quarrel a lot, only to kiss and make up eventually. But I do worry that one day we would come to a blow.
The last anyone needs is a chauvinistic spouse who has no qualms making decision without considering the feeling of the other party. It's a pity that just as our relationship is on the mend, some smart alecky politicians have to spoil it all with the announcement of the "scenic bridge". We didn't ask for this marriage. Who needs a spouse like that?
5 comments:
It is indeed an honour to know that they have chosen to name the bridge after my car! What husband-and-wife relationship are you talking about? More like an estranged couple to me. Have you forgotten what happened in 1965?
Renault Cynic, you meant? That fits you to a T, Victor. ROTFL.
1965? We kena booted out? Ya, how could I forget? I was only 1 year old, but man did I cry like a baby, just like our MM did. Sniff.
Actually our two peoples are very close culturally. Give u an example. When I was attending 1-month course in Japan, there were other Chinese from Taiwan and HK in my class. But I find it much more comfortable to interact with the Malay guy from Msia. Hence, marrying Msian not much diff from marrying Sporean. Ha ha.
Partly because we've relatives across the Causeway, Chun See. We used to be ONE family. So naturally, our culture is quite similar. Likewise the Chinese from Taiwan and China. I'm sure they would click better for they share the same background.
As for the difference between marrying a Malaysian and Singaporean, why don't you try taking a Singaporean 2nd wife and tell us if there's any difference at all? ROTFL
Chris, I saw that one coming. But actually expected it from Victor. Happy New Year
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